Patrick Hillesheim, Ph.D.

Professional Experience

Dr. Hillesheim is an associate professor of chemistry at Ave Maria University, where he brings his extensive background in research and education to the forefront of student learning and academic development. Before joining Ave Maria University, Dr. Hillesheim held academic positions at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Mississippi State University. During his tenure at these institutions, he served as the Director of Undergraduate Laboratories, a role that allowed him to cultivate a deep passion for experiential learning through hands-on undergraduate research. His leadership in this area has significantly impacted the way undergraduate laboratories are conducted, emphasizing the importance of research experience in a student's academic journey.

Dr. Hillesheim's research has been recognized and supported by prestigious funding bodies. He is the recipient of an American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund grant (66195-UNI10), which supports his work on the development of novel ionic liquids with extended π systems. This research has led to the publication of over ten papers, contributing valuable insights to the field and providing undergraduate students opportunities to publish papers and perform cutting edge research. Additionally, Dr. Hillesheim collaborates on a National Institutes of Health R15 grant focused on developing ionic liquids to stabilize vaccines, a project that has critical implications for public health and medicine.

Dr. Hillesheim's dedication to both teaching and research ensures that his students not only receive a robust education in chemistry but also gain practical experience in cutting-edge scientific research.

Personal Background

Dr. Hillesheim, the youngest of two children in a family of Brazilian immigrants, grew up on the scenic coast of North Carolina. His early years were marked by a deep connection to the ocean and the outdoors, fostering a love for fishing and nature that continues to this day. This passion for the outdoors culminated in his earning an Eagle Scout award during his youth.

Initially setting out to pursue a degree in engineering, Dr. Hillesheim attended North Carolina State University. However, it was there that he discovered his true passion for chemistry, leading him to change his academic focus. Over the course of his career, Dr. Hillesheim has gained extensive experience working in polymer, materials, inorganic, and organometallic research labs. This diverse background allows him to bring a wide range of ideas and expertise to the students in his lab.

Recent Publications: 

• Scheuren, M.; Teodoro, L.; Witters, A.; Musozoda, M.; Adu, C.; Guillet, G.; Freeze, R.; Zeller, M.; Mirjafari, A.; Hillesheim, P. C. Planting the Seeds of a Decision Tree for Ionic Liquids: Steric and Electronic Impacts on Melting Points of Triarylphosponium Ionic Liquids. J. Phys. Chem. B 2024. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02196. 
• Musozoda, M.; Muller, J. E.; Anderson, G. I.; Boucher, M.; Zeller, M.; Raymond, C. C.; Hillesheim, P. C.; Mirjafari, A. Alkyl-Templated Cocrystallization of Long-Chain 1-Bromoalkanes by Lipid-like Ionic Liquids. Chem. Commun. 2024, 60 (13), 1723–1726. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04834A.
• Yeboah, J.; Metott, Z. J.; Butch, C. M.; Hillesheim, P. C.; Mirjafari, A. Are Nature’s Strategies the Solutions to the Rational Design of Low-Melting, Lipophilic Ionic Liquids? Chem. Commun. 2024, 60 (29), 3891–3909. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC06066G.
• Boucher, M.; Bellia, S. A.; Howarth, A.; Collart, A.; Musozoda, M.; Adu, C.; Guillet, G. L.; Barbosa, A.; Fulvio, P. F.; Mirjafari, A.; Zeller, M.; Hillesheim, P. C. Discerning the Impact of Noncovalent Interactions via Simulated Crystal Growth: A Structural Study of Aromatic Esters. Crystal Growth & Design 2024. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.3c01485.
• Anderson, G. I.; Hardy, D.; Hillesheim, P. C.; Wagle, D. V.; Zeller, M.; Baker, G. A.; Mirjafari, A. Anticancer Agents as Design Archetypes: Insights into the Structure–Property Relationships of Ionic Liquids with a Triarylmethyl Moiety. ACS Phys. Chem Au 2023, 3 (1), 94–106. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsphyschemau.2c00048.